The Strictly line-up was slowly revealed in August, with the launch show in which the celebrities were coupled up for the first time with their professional dance partners being filmed earlier this month.

But now, after two solid weeks of training, the Strictly Class of 2018 is finally ready to show us what they’re made of.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 16th series of the BBC reality dancing contest…

When does Strictly start and what time?

Strictly Come Dancing kicks off on Saturday 22 September on BBC1 at 6.15pm, finishing at 8.35pm.

Who are this year’s contestants and new couples?

The 15 celebrities attended a glitzy red carpet ceremony with their professional dancers, as well as the judges – Shirley Ballas, Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood.- and presenters – Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

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It was here that the celebs and pros found out who they’d be dancing with for the series.

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Danny John Jules and Amy Dowden

(Picture: BBC)

Danny John-Jules was confirmed as the third contestant for Strictly on The One Show too.

He said: ‘Having spent the last few months on two wheels motorcycling around South America in pink leathers, I’m absolutely delighted to be getting back on two feet and into something more comfortable like glittery spandex.’

Dr Ranj Singh and Janette Manrara

(Picture: BBC)

If you’re familiar with This Morning, you’ll recognise Dr Ranj Singh, who has been confirmed as the seventh contestant for Strictly.

The announcement was made on ITV’s This Morning on Thursday, where Ruth Langsford teased how a member of the show would be slipping on their dancing shoes.

After it was revealed to be the show’s resident doctor, Ranj said: ‘I’m so sore at the moment, I’ve been going to the gym to try and get fitter and everything hurts.’

Lee Ryan and Nadiya Bychkova

‘I’m so excited to be joining this year’s Strictly line-up. It is a real honour for me and I can’t wait to get out on the dance floor,’ he said – admitting on Loose Women: ‘I’m not lying, I’m really nervous,’ as he revealed how tough it had been keeping his appearance on the show a secret.

Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell

(Picture: BBC)

‘All I want to do is get to Blackpool!’ he laughed. ‘My nan used to dance there and she’s in her 90s now so I’d like to get there.’

He added it was tough to keep tight-lipped: ‘It was hard to keep quiet because I like asking people’s opinions on decisions I make.’

Graeme Swann and Oti Mabuse

(Picture: BBC)

The sixth confirmed contestant for Strictly was former England cricket bowler Graeme Swann.

Asked what his biggest fear is he said it would be ‘basically getting it wrong’.

‘I’ve never been taught to dance I don’t know anything, so you work for two weeks… but if I get this wrong it will be the end of the world,’ he admitted.

The bowler, who helped lead England to win the Ashes three years in a row, will join a long line of former cricketeers who have taken to the Strictly stage; batsman Mark Ramprakash, 48, won in 2006 and fast bowler Darren Gough, 47, the year before. Phil Tufnell took part in 2009 and Michael Vaughan, 43, in 2012.

Charles Venn and Karen Clifton

(Picture: BBC)

Charles, 45, became known for his roles as Ray Dixon in EastEnders, joining the soap in 2012, before leaving a little over a year later in May 2013.

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He then went on to star as Jacob Masters in Casualty, as a series regular, Curtis Alexander in Dream Team and Tremaine Gidigbi in Footballers’ Wives.

Seann Walsh and Katya Jones

(Picture: BBC)

Comedian Seann appeared on The One Show to announce his new life as a dancer.

The 32-year-old has got his work cut out, as comedians have never really prospered on the Strictly dancefloor.

The highest a comic has ever come on the show is Julian Clary in third place. Others like Jimmy Tarbuck and Susan Calman placed between 7th and 12th.

Susannah Constantine and Anton du Beke

(Picture: BBC)

Susannah Constantine, of Trinny and Susannah fame was announced as the 14th contestant on Good Morning Britain.

‘I am sick with nerves and jangling with excitement,’ famed fashion stylist Susannah said. ‘And knowing I’m starting from a very low bar, and that’s fine because I can only improve.’

Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton

(Picture: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing added another big name to their promising line-up when Stacey Dooley was confirmed as the eighth contestant to be taking to the dance floor on Thursday.

The TV journalist’s big news was confirmed on the show’s official Instagram Stories segment.

Stacey then enthused on the show’s official Twitter account: ‘It’s happening! I’m taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year and my mother is going to explode.

Vick Hope and Graziano di Prima

Vick and Graziano have discovered what their week one dance is (Picture: BBC)

Vick Hope was revealed to be the fifth contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2018 on Wednesday.

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Joined by Capital FM Breakfast show co-hosts Roman Kemp and Sonny Jay, Vick confirmed her appearance after being heavily rumoured for some time.

Speaking on the show, Vick said: ‘I can tell you that every Saturday night I’m going to be able to get close to Faye from Steps. I’m doing Strictly!’

Katie Piper and Gorka Marquez

(Picture: BBC)

Katie Piper was revealed as the first celeb confirmed for this year’s series, with her special announcement made on BBC Breakfast this morning.

Discussing her upcoming challenge, Piper said: ‘It took a while to say yes because it’s something way out of my comfort zone,’ she confessed. ‘The only person I told was my husband and he thought I was joking.

‘I’m worried I’ll be the first to go home!’ she laughed. ‘The fear I have is I don’t have the natural rhythm. But I like a challenge, anything I can’t do it inspires me to learn it.’

Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalev

(Picture: BBC)

Speaking about why she decided to appear on the show, the former Pussycat Doll revealed her famous pals ‘loved’ their time in the ballroom.

‘Daisy Lowe loved it, Flacky [Caroline Flack] said it was one of her favourite projects,’ the 36-year-old told BBC. ‘Pixie [Lott] and Laura [Whitmore] loved it!

‘So I’m excited to dive into my own experience.’

Kate Silverton and Aljaz Skorjanec

(Picture: BBC)

Newsreader Kate Silverton is worried her size nine feet might be her undoing during the dances with intricate footwork.

Kate also said she was ‘looking forward to the fun, laughter and all the challenges ahead.’

Lauren Steadman and AJ Pritchard

Picture: BBC)

Strictly added paratriathlete Lauren Steadman as the 13th contestant to join the bill!

When asked who’d be the most surprised, she said: ‘I think it’s a tie between my sister and my great grandma. They have no idea.’

Lauren added: ‘I still don’t think it has properly sunk in that I’m actually going to be part of this year’s Strictly. I have loved the show since I was young, and it’s a huge thing to tick off my bucket list. I’m more nervous about being on stage, performing live and in front of the judges than I am about the Elite Paratriathlon Grand Final next month.’

Faye Tozer and Giovanni Pernice

(Picture: BBC)

Faye Tozer was confirmed as the second contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2018 on Monday night.

Of her new challenge, Faye said: ‘Being on Strictly is literally a dream come true! It’s everything my nine-year-old self ever wanted from showbiz and I’m going to relish every moment!’

What songs and dances have they chosen?

Ashley & Pasha: Viennese Waltz to Perfect by Ed Sheeran featuring BeyoncéCharles & Karen: Cha Cha Cha to Ain’t No Love (Ain’t Not Use) by Sub Sub featuring Melanie WilliamsDanny & Amy: Foxtrot to Top Cat Theme by Hoyt CurtinDr Ranj & Janette: Cha Cha Cha to How Will I Know by Whitney HoustonFaye & Giovanni: Cha Cha Cha to Lullaby by Sigala featuring Paloma FaithGraeme & Oti: Samba to Soul Limbo by Booker T and The M.G.’sJoe & Dianne: Jive to Take On Me by A-HaKate & Aljaž: Cha Cha Cha to Kiss by Tom JonesKatie & Gorka: Waltz to When We Were Young by AdeleLauren & AJ: Waltz to I’m Kissing You by Des’reeLee & Nadiya: Waltz to Take It To The Limit by The EaglesSeann & Katya: Tango to SexyBack by Justin TimberlakeStacey & Kevin: Quickstep to Dancing by Kylie MinogueSusannah & Anton: Samba to Tico Tico by Carmen MirandaVick & Graziano: Jive to Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man

Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday 22 September on BBC One at 6.15pm.